The simplest way to connect a mouse to your PC is through a wired USB connection. Computer mice are usually plug-and-play devices, with no additional software to install, meaning that plugging in the cable is all of the setups you’ll need to deal with. Unlike wireless alternatives, a wired device will draw its power from the USB, so there are no batteries to worry about. When choosing a mouse, think about what you want to use it for.

Higher DPI Is Not Always Better

One of the main specs you’ll see to advertise a mouse is DPI or dots per inch. In the simplest terms, this is a figure that shows how far the mouse pointer will move for every inch that the mouse itself physically moves.

The general rule of tech specs is that higher numbers are always better, that isn’t true here. DPI shows how fast the mouse pointer moves, and faster isn’t always better.

Most “normal” users don’t need to worry about DPI at all.

High DPI is great for high-resolution displays or multi-monitor setups. It enables you to traverse the screen quicker.

For gaming, high DPI allows you to act and react more quickly. Lower DPI gives you greater control and precision. Gamers need a mouse with adjustable DPI settings.

For Photoshop or other apps that need a high level of precision, a lower DPI can be better.

Polling Rate Is Only Somewhat Important

Another key spec you’ll see reported for mice is the polling rate. This is a figure, measured in hertz (Hz), that shows how many times each second that the mouse reports its position to the computer. A higher number means greater accuracy and smoother movement.